The Birthplace of the Erie Canal: Oneida County, NY

The Mohawk River Valley is the official birthplace of the Erie Canal. The "Old Erie Canal" history began right here in Oneida County, with the first dig occurring on July 4, 1817, near Rome, NY.

Today, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor stretches 524 miles from Albany in the east to North Tonawanda in the west. As the crown jewel of New York State's 750-mile Empire State Trail system, it offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Explore the Old Erie Canal Historic State Park

The Old Erie Canal Historic State Park spans from Rome to DeWitt (just east of Syracuse). This scenic stretch features historic aqueducts, a dry dock at Chittenango, and 36 miles of trails following the original canal path.

From the shores of Oneida Lake at Sylvan Beach through the heart of Utica, Oneida County’s canal communities offer year-round recreation, including hiking, biking, dining, and camping along the Erie Canalway Trail system.

Annual Erie Canal Events

• Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour
• The Boilermaker's Erie Canal Races
• Tour the Towpath
• What the Truck – Utica
• Rome Rotary Canal Fest
• Sylvan Beach Canal Fest
• Erie Canalway Challenge

Important Travel Resources

• Empire State Trail Official Site
• Parks & Trails NY (PTNY)
• NYS Canal Corporation
• Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
• Old Erie Canal State Historic Park Maps
• Sylvan Beach Visitor Guide